Social Networking & Driving

From the UK, the Metro published an article Tweeting & Driving is New Road Danger in April 2009 stating that people were Tweeting behind the wheel. Recent technology has allowed us to stay connected to social media sites via cell phone, which seems great in theory. However, increasingly people are staying in touch behind the wheel. It is hard to ignore the blips and bleeps our cell phones make telling us we have a new e-mail, text, Tweet, a Facebook alert, or a phone call. Incoming and outgoing data takes our eyes off the one place they need to be when we are driving. On the road. DontTwive LOVES Tweeting...and driving...just not at the same time.

The Metro Article Reports:
"The survey of 1,000 motorists also showed that while 92% knew it was illegal to use a hand-held mobile while driving, as many as 45% sent text messages and made calls while at the wheel.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, said: "There is a time and a place for social networking and it certainly isn't when driving a car. Messages being posted on Twitter from behind the wheel are a real cause for concern for the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.

"With advances in technology and the rise in mobile phone applications available, motorists are being increasingly distracted while behind the wheel - especially as constantly updating friends and family on what we're doing is now becoming the norm.

"Our advice to motorists is to remove this temptation altogether by switching off all mobile technology before driving to ensure focus solely remains on the road ahead."

4 Minutes and 15 Seconds that can save your life

This 4:15 PSA video from the Gwent/Wales Police Department is graphic and intense but left us speechless with its message. Some say this video is too gruesome and YouTube has even blocked the 18 and under group from being able to view (the target audience for this Public Service Announcement.) Read more about the video at http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/43643/97/

This video should be watched by any driver who thinks they can text and drive. Life can change in one second. One second - less time than it takes to Tweet, text, email, or dial a phone number.

(Note: May want to adjust volume to a lower setting. 1 min Part 2 video also available at finish. )

Updates:
8/24/09 www.Twitter.com/ricksanchezCNN @ricksanchezCNN of @CNN highlights the Gwent PSA and discusses Tweets regarding Texting & Driving

8/25/09 The Today Show article on this video as well as a 6+ minute segment www.Twitter.com/TodayShow, @TodayShow

8/25/09 Mashable - The Social Media Guide also covered the video Tweeting it out to 1.34 million followers (www.Twitter.com/Mashable @Mashable).

Thanks to the media for covering the dangers of Texting & Driving! Your attention to Texting and Driving will change behavior and thus save lives.

Distracted Driving

While DontTwive is based on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/DontTwive, or @DontTwive) and follows people who Don't Tweet & Drive as well as people who do, the ultimate goal it to address all forms of distracted driving. DontTwive's mission is to remind people how dangerous distracted driving can be not only to themselves, but to others on the road. When you use a cell phone while driving engaging in one of the 3T's...talking, texting, tweeting...your mind is not on the road. Period. Once you pick up the cell phone you become a distracted driver, and become a danger on the road.

As a driver you share the road with cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers. It is your responsibility to be a good driver and share the road in a safe manner.

If you still aren't convinced that distracted driving is dangerous, consider that you share the road with many people who are equally or more distracted than you behind the wheel, some taking their eyes off the road for as long as it takes to travel the distance of a football field. As a distracted driver, you might never see another distracted driver coming at you. Period.

Check out the Distracted Driving Links in the side bar...and always #TweetSafe, Text Safe, and Talk Safe.